Vitamin A Capsules or Tablets

What is this medication?

VITAMIN A (VAHY tuh min A) prevents and treats low vitamin A levels in your body. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the health of your eyes, skin, immune system, and reproductive system. It is an antioxidant, which helps to protect your cells.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): A-Caro-25, Dofsol-A

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• High levels of vitamin A in the body
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to vitamin A, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this vitamin by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. For best results take this vitamin with food. Take your vitamin at regular intervals. Do not take your vitamin more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Other vitamin A or retinoid products

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Beta-carotene supplements
• Cholestyramine
• Mineral oil
• Orlistat

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Follow a good diet. Taking a vitamin supplement does not replace the need for a balanced diet. Some foods that have this vitamin naturally are green and yellow fruits and vegetables, also eggs, butter, milk, meat, and oily fish.

Too much of this vitamin can be unsafe. Talk to your care team about how much is right for you.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bone or joint pain
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 85 degrees F). Protect from heat and light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.